Overview
- The clubs announced the Harden trade Wednesday ahead of the NBA deadline, confirming his move from the Clippers to Cleveland.
- Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round draft pick go to Los Angeles as the stated return for the eleven-time All-Star and former MVP.
- Dennis Schröder, acquired Sunday from the Kings, opened his Cavaliers tenure with 11 points and six assists in 19 minutes of a 124–91 win at the Clippers.
- James Harden did not play in that game and told ESPN he sought better title odds in Cleveland and wanted the Clippers to gain a chance to reset.
- Cleveland is 31–21 after the victory, and Schröder is slated to serve as the backup point guard behind Harden under coach Kenny Atkinson.